50 Extraordinary Facts About Game of Thrones

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The latest season of Game of Thrones is around the corner and fans across the world are growing increasingly eager to see how this epic tale unfolds. If there is one thing that this masterful production has always managed to do, it is keeping the cast, crew, and audience on the edge of their seat in suspense. Plot twists, character deaths, and unlikely heroes keep cropping up. Battles get bigger, and the fates of our favorite heroes and villains keep intertwining in ways that we could not imagine. With season seven arriving soon, here is a wrap-up of 50 extraordinary Game of Thrones facts which you most likely have not heard of. Feel free to delve into this info without fear; only the last fifteen slides contain spoilers for the eager!

Neil Fingleton was the UK’s Tallest Man

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English actor, basketball player and the tallest man in the United Kingdom Neil Fingleton, may be easier recognized as ‘Mag the Mighty’ from Game of Thrones. Towering at 7 feet and 56 inches, this mammoth man ranked among the top twenty-five tallest men in the world. This on-screen warrior passed on 25 February 2017 as the result of heart failure.

Game of Thrones is in The Guinness Book of World Records

This hit series has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records twice! The sixth season finale broke rating records, but the true shock was a report from download monitoring authority TorrentFreak. Game of Thrones is officially the most pirated television show in the world, for five years running. An average of 14.4 million illegal downloads are completed for every episode ranging between April and June of 2015, and this total has grown year by year.

Sansa Adopted the Dog Who Played Her Dire Wolf

Sophie Turner, or Sansa Stark, fell in love with the dog who played the role of her dire wolf in Game of Thrones. Having never raised a dog growing up, Sophie quickly became attached to the Northern Inuit dog named Zunni. When the show put Sansa’s beloved pet to death, Zunni found a new home in her retirement. The Game of Thrones production staff decided to use CGI wolves only if her dire wolf makes another appearance.

The Dothraki Language was Invented

Dothraki is a purely fictional language which was specifically invented for Game of Thrones. It is so expansive that it currently has over 3,700 entries in the Dothraki dictionary. The language is the creation of David J. Peterson, who also happens to have created two custom languages for the Syfy network’s ‘Defiance.’ It is incredibly complex and has an extensive form of grammar and unique vocal and tonal characteristics.

Emilia Clarke Wears a Blonde Wig

Daenerys, played by Emilia Clarke, refuses to dye her hair blonde. Instead, she wears a wig to cover her dark brown locks. It may be hard to believe, but her characteristic platinum blonde hair is a highly elaborate, extremely expensive wig.

Many of the Actors Refuse to Read the Books

Some of the Game of Thrones actors and actresses refuse to read the book series fearing that the knowledge of the future of their characters may indeed spoil their performance. Cast even avoid hearing spoilers from news and online sources for the same reason!

Daenerys Once Got Stuck to a Toilet

During an interview on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ actress, Emilia Clarke divulged how a rather sticky situation developed on-set. During the scene where Daenerys ate a heart, the fake heart was covered in an extremely sticky, gummy substance which managed to get Emilia Clarke stuck to her toilet seat among other things. Her words to Jimmy were, “There’s a moment when we were filming it that I disappeared and I was stuck to the toilet.” The star managed to keep up good spirits despite the spot of trouble that the scene got her in.

6 Porn Performers Play in Game of Thrones

Jessica Jensen broke into film through Game of Thrones at age 24. Before that, she was in the porn industry and managed to land a minor role in the hit show as a prostitute. Sahara Knight was a pupil of Littlefinger’s brothel, but before this, she played in over 60 adult movies. Aeryn Walker appeared in the 4th season of Game of Thrones played one of the wives of Craster. She too is a prominent adult film star. Maisy Dee is a British adult film star and appears numerous times as a brothel worker. Winner of Best All-Girl Group Sex Scene at the 2013 AVN Awards is Samantha Bentley, also featuring as a prostitute involved with Davos Seaworth. Lastly is professional adult film star ‘Dilara,’ or who we know as Tyrion Lannister’s now-deceased mistress. Her real name is Sibel Kekilli and has once performed in 12 adult movies in one single year.

There Is an Unaired Pilot Episode

Most of the unaired pilot was scrapped, never making it into what we all saw on screen. Many still doubt the authenticity of the script found for the unaired pilot, but if it holds any truth, then we missed longer scenes, closer ties to the book and a storyline which made it obvious from the get-go that Jamie and Cersei are brother and sister. That is a plot element which could not be divulged so soon.

Peter Dinklage is a Soon-To-Be Father of Two

Peter Dinklage is a proud father. He is even expecting the arrival of a new addition to the family. Peter and his wife Erica Schmidt are soon to have a new child. The couple confirmed this news publically, despite having never disclosed the name of their current five-year-old daughter.

Season 6 Cost Over $10 Million Per Episode

Each and every single episode of season six of Game of Thrones cost upward of $10 million to produce. The show has set new records regarding production costs and season seven is set to skyrocket even higher regarding costs.

Peter Dinklage Earns $1.1 Million Per Episode

For the role of Tyrion Lannister, Peter Dinklage earned $1.1 million per episode of season seven which was filmed. He will forever be marked in history as one of the highest paid television actors ever. This is a massive increase as, at a stage, he was earning a meager $150,000 per episode shot!

The Red Wedding Was Inspired by True Events

George R.R. Martin turned to Scottish history when he sought inspiration for the scene of ‘The Red Wedding.’ He combined two horrific events, namely the Black Dinner of 1440 and the Massacre of Glencoe from 1692. The Massacre of Glencoe saw the murder of 38 members of the MacDonald clan in their sleep, after a night’s reveling and card games. The Black Dinner, on the other hand, tells the tale of a two-year-old’s beheading.

The Gruesome Track Record of Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is one of the most gruesome television productions ever seen. Within the first four seasons, no less than 133 characters were killed, yet the trail of corpses continued. That would make anyone think twice about fantasizing about living in an older day and age!

One Man – Four Characters

British Actor Ian Whyte has played four roles in Game of Thrones. He appears in the first and second season as a White Walker, while in season two he took the role of Gregor Clegane. In season three he resurfaces as an anonymous giant while in season five we can see him as Wun Wun the Wildling giant.

Snow and Ice are Created for the Show

During the first season of Game of Thrones, Northern Island was cold, but there is little snowfall during August, the month when filming occurred. All of the snow and ice which you see throughout the entire first season was created specifically for the show.

The Queen Once Refused a Seat on the Iron Throne

When Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the Game of Thrones set to meet cast and crew members, her majesty was offered a chance to sit on the Iron Throne. She had to gracefully decline as the Sovereign of England is not allowed to sit on any form of a foreign throne.

Hodor Knew He Was Going to Die for a Year

Actor Kristian Nairn who played Hodor in Game of Thrones knew of his character’s death for a full year but was not allowed to divulge the details to anyone. He managed to keep silent to the very end and now continues his career as a professional DJ.

Gwendoline Christie Doesn’t Know Her Birthday

Gwendoline Christie who plays Brienne of Tarth has no idea of her birthday. Her mother never kept track of that particular detail which leaves our star knowing nothing more than the fact that she was born in 1978.

Ser Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane, is the Third Strongest in the World

Hafthór Júlíus Björnsson, affectionately known by friends as “Thor,” is an Icelandic strongman and actor who plays Ser Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane. He is officially the third strongest man int he world and is capable of deadlifting 991 pounds!

Kit Harington Lied to His Cast Mates

Kit Harington, better known as Jon Snow, had to lie to his cast mates about his death. He even received a heartfelt letter from Sophie Turner, saying goodbye and expressing how much she enjoyed working with him. Little did they all know, Jon Snow would soon be back!

Cersei’s Nude Penance Played By Body Double

Lena Headey refused to perform her walk of shame nude before the world. Instead, a body double was used for the scene. Rebecca Van Cleave did the walk naked so that Headey’s performance as Cersei would not be affected. She explained, “I’ve done nudity. I’m not adverse to it. But I know I’m a very emotional actor, and I get really driven by that. In order to do my job, I allow myself to be really vulnerable. I don’t know any other way to do my job. Things really affect me. And the thought of being naked for three days and trying to contain her in the way she would be, I think I would feel very angry. I didn’t want to be angry. I don’t think Cersei would be angry. I did what I thought she would do, emotionally.”

Robb Stark’s Bride is the Granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin

Oona Chaplin who plays the role of Talisa Maegyr is the real-life granddaughter of the late Charlie Chaplin. She comes from a star-studded lineage which not only includes the comedy great, but her great-grandfather is also American playwright Eugene O’Neill.

Game of Thrones Has Spawned Many Porn Parodies

It was bound to happen. Porn has begun to ride the coattails of Game of Thrones. So far ‘Game of Bones,’ ‘Sex of Thrones’ and ‘This Ain’t Game of Thrones XXX’ are among the most popular adult spinoffs from this legendary series.

Theon is the Brother of Pop Star Lily Allen

Pop star Lily Allen has nothing but shaming commentary towards her brother. She even has a song dedicated to Alfie Allen, better known as Game of Thrones Theon Greyjoy. Despite her disdain for his “pot-smoking” and laid-back attitude to life, the star has done fantastic for himself.

Kit Harrington Took Offense to Being Called a “Hunk.”

Kit Harrington, better known as Jon Snow, took great offense to being labeled a “hunk of Hollywood.” He feels that the term is demeaning and can be quite offensive. After making his point heard during an interview with ABC News, Kit has remained rather quiet on the issue lately.

Hodor Kept the Door

Kristian Nairn, the openly gay actor who played Hodor, actually kept a part of the door from the scene where his character holds the door shut! There were multiple doors involved in this complicated and action-filled climax. A wise idea, given the popularity of the show, that door fragment will do nothing but rise in value.

Arya Stark is Maisie William’s First Break

Maisie Williams got her first break into professional acting when she was awarded the role of Arya Stark. Since she has become a social media star and is currently well-established in many areas of the entertainment industry.

Both Lena Headey and Peter Dinklage Are Vegetarian

Lena Headey and Peter Dinklage are both vegetarians. Strangely enough, both of these talented stars were friends long before Game of Thrones. Both are also enthusiastic supporters of animal rights across the world.

The Script is Often Released on the Morning of Filming

During season six particularly, the script was only given to each actor and actress on the morning of the day of shooting. This element of mystery and surprise helped each star breathe life into their role, making the show what it is today.

The Cast is So Large That Not Everyone Knows Each Other

There are certain close relationships within the cast, but with over 5000 extras in a scene and over 500 named characters, the cast is too big to keep track of. As a result, not everyone who acts in Game of Thrones knows everybody else!

WARNING!!!

From here onward you will find spoilers and other information which may compromise your enjoyment of season seven of Game of Thrones. If you would rather watch the tale unfold when it eventually arrives around July of 2017, then read no further. However if you can’t wait and are craving the latest season seven rumors, confirmed details and cast information then you will be extremely pleased.

Arya Executes Littlefinger

The popular belief for the fate of Littlefinger is that he is sentenced to death by Sansa sometime during season seven. Arya is the chosen executioner who brings him to certain death. No details of how she kills him are circulating, but Arya does indeed do the deed.

Cersei May Be Carrying Jamie’s Baby

If rumors hold true, then Cersei will at least be in for a pregnancy scare at least. During season seven she is believed to fear the possibility that she is yet again carrying Jamie’s child. Qyburn is said to complete an examination, but his results remain a mystery.

Ser Jorah Mormont Returns

Iain Glen was seen boarding a flight to join the filming of season seven of Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland. It is clear that he will be rejoining the tale. However we don’t know if he has been cured of Prince Garin’s curse, nor do we know the nature of his encounter with his Khaleesi. That is to say that he meets her of course!

Nymeria and the Story of the Stark Direwolves

Maisie Williams recently shared news of Game of Thrones being shot in Calgary. Seeing that this is where most of the wolf scenes are shot, and the fact that Maisie Williams was on location, leads many to believe that season seven will be building upon the story of Arya and her direwolf Nymeria. At the start of Game of Thrones each Stark child had a dire wolf for a companion however by the end of season six, just two remained. Nymeria, who ran away after biting Joffrey, is being played by a wolf-actor named Quigley and is a stunning lookalike for the role.

UFC Fighter Joins GoT Season 7

Renowned UFC fighter Conor McGregor may be appearing in season seven as a pirate in the crew of Euron Greyjoy. McGregor denies the appearance but his boss, Dana White, confirms the role. Only time will tell!

The Night King Slays a Dragon

If the season seven script rumors are anything near truthful, we will soon be seeing the death of one of Daenerys’s dragons. The Night King is said to slay Viserion and resurrect it under his command. It will truly be an epic sight to see the Queen’s dragon turned into an undead mount!

Jon Snow’s True Name is Aegon

Spoiler rumors are running rife that Jon Snow is truly a Targaryen, which will apparently be revealed sometime towards episode seven of season seven. His real name is “Aegon.” This discovery is said to be made by Sam and Bran.

Season 7 Unites Unlikely Characters

Liam Cunningham, the actor who plays the role of Ser Davos Seaworth, confirmed to IGN that characters from all over Westeros shall be united under a common threat. His only words were “When we’ve had all these, for all these seasons, disparate stories come from disparate ends of Westeros, it has been – and it’s been signaled from the end of last season – that there’s a lot of people and situations going to be coming together.”.

Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow

Across the span of six seasons, Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow have never met. Photographs of season seven filming show the two taking selfies and enjoy a break in between the filming of a great war. With the books being called “A Song of Fire and Ice” this crossing is adding merit to a long-running speculation that Fire is Daenerys Targaryen, while Jon Snow of the North is indeed the Ice. Only time will tell!

Game of Thrones Concludes in Season 8

Much to the disappointment of adoring fans, Game of Thrones will officially end in season 8. The team appears open to the idea of a spinoff. However, no concrete plans are in place. They do however have a definite plan for the series, and it does end in just two more seasons. The news was confirmed by the President of HBO Programming, Casey Bloys.

Sophie Turner Let’s Sansa’s Fate Slip

Sophie Turner, the actress who plays Sansa Stark, was recently a guest at the 2017 BAFTA awards. Without thinking she blurted out “We’re about to start shooting the next X-Men, we just finished shooting Season 7 of Game of Thrones. Then I’ve got a couple of movies to do before X-Men starts, and then we go onto Season 8. So, I’ve got a busy year lined up.” Now we all know that Sansa lives through season 7 of Game of Thrones.

More Torture and More Dragons

With season seven being ever elusive, fans are grasping for any info which they can get their hands on. At the Malta India Fan Con of 2016, Alfie Allen who plays Theon Greyjoy took questions from a panel of fans. In the course of his Q&A, he let a few snippets of info from season seven slip. His response was “More torture… more dragons. You want dragons, right? Yeah, loads of dragons.”

British Pop Group Bastille to Appear in Season 7

Bastille will be performing sometime in the course of season seven for a cameo appearance on the show. It is possible that they will appear during one of the massive battle scenes promised in this upcoming season.

Season 7’s Script Brought Sophie Turner to Tears

Sophie Turner read something so emotional that the script brought her character to tears. While no further details were divulged, it is clear that the catastrophe does not befall her character, as she also let it slip that she will be part of season eight’s filming.